Lobi’s loss saved Nigerians in Mozambique – Ambassador Kwashi

Despite Lobi Stars’ loss to Liga Despotivo Muculmana de Maputo of Mozambique in the first round of the 2013 CAF Confederation Cup, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Southern African nation, Her Excellency (Mrs) Matilda Kwashi, MON has stated that the club’s defeat was a blessing in disguise.

Kwashi, who is also the envoy to Madagascar and Mauritius, told a top official of Lobi that the tension generated between Mozambicans and Nigerians in Maputo over the match could have marred the cordial diplomatic relationship between both countries.

“It is a blessing in disguise because no life was lost. Even though the Mozambicans wanted to breach the peace and (begin) diplomatic hostilities, we are grateful to God for how everything went.

“They wanted to spill blood and had it been that Lobi won after having an early lead against their opponents it could have been worse. The tension was all over the Mozambican print and electronic media. They painted a gory picture of how they were maltreated in Bauchi when they came for the initial leg,” Kwashi said.

Lobi lost the return leg 1-7 and were subsequently eliminated 8-4 on aggregate despite holding a 3-1 first leg advantage.

Meanwhile, Lobi have stressed that they have put behind them their misadventure in Mozambique as they set sights on this season’s league and Federation Cup competitions.